Mold Prevention

Molds are organisms that grow inside homes wherever there is moisture. Other than the aesthetic damage they cause, molds are dangerous to health.Molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air.These spores float in the air until they find a moist place where they can settle and grow. While the spores are in the air, they are part of the air we breathe; when sensitive people are exposed to the spores they might develop an allergy to them, which causes the person to get attacks of allergy symptoms whenever they are exposed to the spores after that. Also in asthma patients, the spores trigger attacks of asthma, causing an increased need for medication and decreasing the quality of life.

Identification of mold:

Mold is usually easily recognizable as greenish fuzzy growth; however it is worthwhile to be sure and let an expert confirm it is a mold growth.This procedure is not expensive and it might save a lot of time and expenses in cases where there proves to be no mold growth, but rather a chemical discoloration or deterioration etc.

Mold removal:

Mold should be cleaned with water and detergent, making sure to dry carefully after washing.

Sometimes the surfaces where the mold grew should be replaced like in carpets and tiles.

Prevention of Mold:

So now we know molds depend mainly on moisture to grow, they will grow on almost any surface as long as the moisture is there.So preventing mold growth consists mainly of preventing humidity.

Control of humidity:

Installing humidity meters , the target humidity is 30-60%.

Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier, especially in hot, humid weather.

The air coming out of the shower and other places where hot water is used (washing machine)should be circulated to the outside separately from the main indoor air vent.

Humidity might come up from the ground wherever it is uncovered inside the house, also wherever there is concrete floor. Avoid putting a carpet in these areas directly over the ground or over concrete because it might pull out moisture. Accumulated dirt might have the same effect.

Cold walls and windows should also be treated because they precipitate moisture from the air.